Norway’s public prosecutor has dropped all charges against the founder of the radical Islamic group, Ansar al-Islam. The Kurdish group – which is based in northern Iraq – is regarded by the UN and US as a terrorist organisation. But the Norwegian authorities said there was not enough evidence to charge Mullah Krekar with conspiracy in a plot to murder political rivals in Iraq. Mullah Krekar has had refugee status in Norway since 1991 – he now faces being deported under a 2003 expulsion order. The expulsion order, which says Mullah Krekar is a risk to national security, was stalled because of the court case against him and the US-led war in Iraq. The Kurdish cleric says he stepped down as leader of Ansar al-Islam in 2002 and denies any terror links. Washington says the group has ties to al-Qaeda and blames it for attacks on coalition forces in Iraq. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.